Cassiterite complex crystal set on a matrix of gemmy colorless beryl with some well formed, projecting up, bladed muscovite crystals. Although not well defined in the photograph, in the front side there are about 18 single beryl crystals plus about 11 more on the back. Overall size: 81 mm x 57 mm. Cassiterite crystal: 31 mm wide. Main beryl crystal: 22 mm wide. Weight: 169 g. It's almost a floater. Undamaged.

oh man carles..that is a spectacular specimen..look at the color zoning on that..wow..sir..once i think you can't post anything nicer you go and out do yourself..the pic looks crisp and clean..Scovil had better watch out..LOL

oh man carles..that is a spectacular specimen..look at the color zoning on that..wow..sir..once i think you can't post anything nicer you go and out do yourself..the pic looks crisp and clean..Scovil had better watch out..LOL

Okay, I think the photos are rather good thanks to my new camera. That's all.

This may clearly be an off-topic post, but I believe in the benevolence of the forum's owner. Thanks, Jordi.

The specimen in the photo is not actually a mineral for collection. Or, if it was, it should be classified rather as a fake. A fake made of concrete not by a tricky Asian minerals dealer, but by the DDR's authorities in 1961 (DDR stands for Deutsche Demokratische Republik, the former German Democratic Republic or Eastern Germany).

It will be November 9th tomorrow, and the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's fall as well. And here is a very small portion of what 'die Mauer' once was. It would not be a fake anymore. Instead, an authentic fragment of the Wall and a tribute to the facts that two decades ago, for good or for bad, changed forever the history of Europe (and the entire world).

_The Berlin Wall. As a proof of authenticity this is a photo of the part of the former wall where such specimen was separated from. Figuring out the exact point where it was originally placed is anyone's guess.

It will be November 9th tomorrow, and the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's fall as well. And here is a very small portion of what 'die Mauer' once was. It would not be a fake anymore. Instead, an authentic fragment of the Wall and a tribute to the facts that two decades ago, for good or for bad, changed forever the history of Europe (and the entire world).

Hi Carles, as a historian i can only say: Well done, you pointed it out accurately :-) ... I also had such a wall piece once, but regrettably i don't know where it is. Nice to see - especially on the day of the 20th anniversary - that you show this little piece of history here in the forum.

Both crystals are partially coated by a low-temperature, second generation, pale pink rhodochrosite layer, which adds to the mineralogical story of the piece. Unfortunately I don't know of any way to get rid of the layer, that does no good to the aesthetics (and the value) of the specimen..

Carles,
I personally like the secondary coating. Its a very aesthetic piece, and it has a great story of creation to tell as well. Can't get much better than that! If you really don't like it, my birthday is coming soon (or could be) ;=)
Bob

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